Going into Ocean’s Calling 2025, I didn’t have high expectations for The Black Crowes. I knew their reputation—southern rock legends, decades of music, big hits—but I wasn’t sure how they would translate in a festival built around a band like O.A.R., whose fanbase skews younger and more jam-band oriented. I assumed they’d be competent, maybe fun to watch for nostalgia’s sake, but I didn’t anticipate how fully they would grab the stage, command the crowd, and leave an impression I won’t soon forget.
From the first notes of “No Speak No Slave,” it became clear that this was a band in the zone. Crisp, energetic, and immediately engaging, the opening track set the tone for a performance that was more than just a retrospective trip through the band’s catalog—it was a demonstration of enduring skill and chemistry. The guitars rang true, the rhythm section locked in tight, and the vocals carried that signature grit and soulfulness that makes The Black Crowes unmistakable. Even for someone initially skeptical, the energy was infectious.
“Sting Me” followed, ramping up the tempo and showcasing the band’s tight interplay. The dual guitars danced around each other, weaving textures that were both intricate and raw, giving the song a live feel that no studio recording could fully capture. By the time “Rats and Clowns” hit, the audience was fully engaged, swaying and singing along. The Crowes may not be a band built for festival singalongs in the same way O.A.R. is, but their music carries a natural groove and emotional resonance that draws listeners in, regardless of familiarity.
A highlight for me came early with “Twice as Hard.” This song, one of the band’s signature anthems, showcased their ability to combine driving rock energy with nuanced musicianship. The guitar solos were precise without feeling mechanical, and the vocals carried a mix of defiance and charisma that made every lyric feel lived-in. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, the communal energy of the festival feeding directly into the band’s performance. Watching them play, it was easy to see why The Black Crowes have sustained a devoted following for decades: they know how to make each song feel urgent, vital, and immediate.
“Thick n’ Thin” and “Horsehead” slowed the pace just slightly, giving the audience a chance to breathe while also allowing the band to demonstrate their dynamic range. These tracks are a perfect example of what makes The Black Crowes compelling live: they’re not just about volume or stage theatrics—they understand tension, timing, and emotional resonance. The band’s ability to shift from high-energy rockers to more contemplative, groove-based songs keeps a set engaging and unpredictable. The subtle interplay between guitar, bass, and drums during these numbers added texture, and it was clear the band was enjoying themselves as much as the audience was.
Then came “Hard to Handle,” an Otis Redding cover that transformed the set into something extraordinary. From the first horn-like guitar riffs and the signature vocal delivery, the song immediately captured the crowd’s attention. It’s one of those tracks that seems tailor-made for live performance, and The Black Crowes did not disappoint. Every note felt deliberate, every rhythm perfectly timed, and the sheer joy in the performance was palpable. The audience sang along, clapped, and danced in unison—it was a communal high point, a moment when the festival felt entirely unified. For me, this song was the defining moment of the set, the one that made me reevaluate any preconceptions I had about the band. Hard to Handle isn’t just a cover—it’s a declaration of what The Black Crowes can do at their peak: take a classic and make it entirely their own.
After that peak, the band transitioned into “She Talks to Angels” and “Thorn in My Pride,” both of which showcased their softer, blues-infused side. “She Talks to Angels” is a song that carries weight in every chord, with vocals that convey melancholy and empathy in equal measure. Even under festival lighting and the energy of an outdoor crowd, the song retained its intimacy. “Thorn in My Pride” followed, with its groove-heavy instrumentation and soulful delivery, reminding everyone that The Black Crowes are as comfortable in reflective, mid-tempo territory as they are in rocking out.
The set’s latter portion leaned into nostalgia, and fans cheered every step of the way. “Jealous Again” had the crowd moving again, the familiar riffs and choruses eliciting loud singalongs. The band clearly fed off this energy, stretching out solos, and adding subtle variations that kept even well-known songs fresh. Closing with “Remedy” was the perfect choice—upbeat, dynamic, and celebratory. It gave the festival-goers one final burst of energy, leaving the crowd energized and satisfied while still hungry for more.
What stood out most about The Black Crowes at Ocean’s Calling 2025 was their ability to surprise. I wasn’t going in expecting to be impressed, but the combination of tight musicianship, charismatic vocals, and thoughtful pacing of the set made for a performance that felt bigger than just nostalgia or reputation. Every song, from opening to closing, was executed with care, and the band’s chemistry was palpable. Even songs that might seem standard in a live setting, like “Twice as Hard” or “Jealous Again,” gained new life in the context of the festival, buoyed by the shared energy of a festival crowd fully engaged and responding to every cue.
The setlist itself was a well-curated mix of hits, deep cuts, and cover material. Starting with the driving opener “No Speak No Slave” and ending with “Remedy,” the band balanced their own material with the occasional nod to influences, like “Hard to Handle.” This pacing created a dynamic arc that kept the audience engaged while highlighting the band’s versatility. The setlist also allowed for peaks and valleys—moments of high energy interspersed with reflective or groove-oriented tracks, which is essential in a festival setting where attention spans can shift and the outdoor environment can distract.
In retrospect, it’s clear that The Black Crowes’ set at Ocean’s Calling 2025 worked on multiple levels. For newcomers like myself, it was an introduction to the band’s full capabilities—a reminder that their music holds up not just on record, but as a visceral live experience. For longtime fans, it was a chance to hear beloved songs delivered with precision, passion, and authenticity. The band didn’t rely on spectacle alone; they relied on musicality, chemistry, and emotional resonance—and in doing so, they earned a place in the festival’s heart.
“Hard to Handle” aside, the performance had an understated power. The band never felt like they were performing for anyone other than the music itself, and yet that authenticity translated into one of the more enjoyable festival sets I’ve witnessed. It was a set that rewarded attention, that allowed moments of quiet reflection and explosive energy to coexist seamlessly. There’s something rare about that balance, and The Black Crowes executed it flawlessly.
By the end of the set, any skepticism I brought with me was gone. The Black Crowes had proven themselves capable of engaging a diverse audience, holding attention in a festival context, and delivering a memorable experience that went beyond nostalgia. It’s a reminder that some bands, no matter how long they’ve been around, still have the ability to surprise, to captivate, and to transform casual listeners into fans.
Setlist – The Black Crowes at Ocean’s Calling 2025
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No Speak No Slave
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Sting Me
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Rats and Clowns
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Twice as Hard
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Thick n’ Thin
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Horsehead
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Hard to Handle (Otis Redding cover)
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She Talks to Angels
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Thorn in My Pride
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Jealous Again
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Remedy
In summary, The Black Crowes at Ocean’s Calling 2025 delivered a set that exceeded expectations. They were more than competent—they were compelling, charismatic, and surprisingly versatile. From the opening riffs of “No Speak No Slave” to the singalong finale of “Remedy,” the performance was a testament to their enduring skill and ability to connect with an audience, even in a festival environment that might have seemed outside their usual domain. And for anyone still questioning the band’s live prowess, “Hard to Handle” alone would be enough to convert any doubters.
For me, the takeaway was simple: The Black Crowes are still a force to be reckoned with live. Even for a casual attendee, even for someone who wasn’t coming in with high expectations, they proved that their music can still surprise, excite, and resonate in a way that only truly seasoned performers can. Ocean’s Calling 2025 will be remembered not only for its headline sets and main attractions but for moments like this—a festival set that transformed skepticism into genuine appreciation, one riff at a time.